OPINION: I wonder if Mike Hesson and Gavin Larsen have thought about asking Brendon McCullum to consider making a comeback for the Champion's Trophy.
I wonder what his answer would be?
McCullum's proving right now for the Gujarat Lions in the Indian Premier League that he's still got it: still got the ability to smash the ball into the stands; still got the ability to strike fear into opposition attacks around the world; still got the ability to win games single-handedly. And without question, he's still good enough to play for the Blackcaps.
McCullum now makes a living as a gun for hire in the IPL, Big Bash League, Caribbean Premier League, the Pakistan Super League, the T20 Blast - you name it. So why can't he be a gun for hire for the Blackcaps? New Zealand picks players that aren't centrally contracted all the time. Should New Zealand Cricket consider making him an offer he can't refuse?
The reason this is worth debating is because the Blackcaps are heading into the Champions Trophy still unsure about who should open the innings alongside Martin Guptill. The selectors will choose from Tom Latham and Luke Ronchi. I'll plump for Latham on this one. But the truth is that the best person to open with Guptill is probably still Brendon McCullum.
We want our best players playing at ICC tournaments, and it's clear that McCullum is still one of New Zealand's best. Why not select our most destructive batsman for major tournaments? It's not as though he has to prove his ability - play in the series leading up to the competition, get some 50-over cricket under your belt, settle back into the team environment. Easy.
He wouldn't have to bear the burden of captaincy - that's Kane Williamson's job now. All you'd be asking him to do is come in and do what he does best: play his naturally aggressive, explosive game at the top of the order. It was his approach with the bat that played such an important role in taking the Blackcaps to the World Cup final - nearly the whole way. You can't tell me that doesn't bite just a little.
McCullum is 35 years old. Sure, his back might be a little older, but you only have to watch the way he throws himself around in the field in India to know he keeps himself in good shape.
Let him do it on his terms. Special players need special treatment at times. Ask yourself: Would the Blackcaps have a better chance of winning the Champions Trophy if McCullum was in the side? You know the answer is yes.
So what's the harm in asking? He can only say no.
Andrew Gourdie is a Newshub sports reporter/presenter and co-host of Sunday Sport on Radio LIVE from 2pm
